Samsung Gear S3 Smartwatch Review

Our Verdict:

This bigger and way better masterpiece of Samsung smartwatch series is enriched with more powerful and cooler features. This is a superb smartwatch to get your hands on in many ways. Though it has some minors bloops that we are going to discuss in this Samsung Gear S3 Smartwatch review along with the handful reasons to opt for this class or art and a piece of tech.

What We Like:

What We Don’t:

Too big and bulky for smaller wrists

Not enough third-party app support

Android phone connection sometimes spotty

Highlights Of Samsung Gear S3 Smartwatch Review:

The best selling factor of this Samsung Gear S3 Smartwatch is its accessibility and compatibility. Not only it enables you to connect with your Samsung smartphones but also compatible with any other Android phones running the Android version 4.4 or the later. Moreover, the new update which has been added after its launch; it allows the iOS users also to enjoy all the features it has to offer you. So, you can probably get connected to this Samsung powered smartwatch if you own iPhone 5 or any other iOS version 9 onwards. Also, your phone must have at least 1.5GB of RAM.

The next iteration of Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch has taken on the similar principle as its predecessor; running Tizen based operating system and having round display. Furthermore, it took all those features to the next level with a raft of latest sensors and bigger design that matches with the look of an analog wrist watch. The key specs of this Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch have definitely got refinements as compared to its predecessor S2. Be it the battery capacity, chipset, sensors advancement or even the display; every feature and innards have got a boost with a touch of augmented sensors.

The Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch reviews suggest that this smartwatch comes really handy to those who want to be connected to their favorite smartphone apps round the clock. It comes in two type, the Samsung Gear S3 Classic, and the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier.

However, the difference between both the models is minute. The Frontier’s design is somewhat sportier, and it is 5 grams weightier than that of classic. It also has a more rugged silicone strap. Undeniably, it is perfect for 3G/LTE; that will only work with on AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks.

Furthermore, the most amazing thing is its user-friendly interface with rotating bezels. It is the real light which has topped it with utter uniqueness in its own style. Although its predecessor Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch was quite more futuristic regarding looks, the rotating bezels of Samsung Gear S3 have actually won our hearts; and it makes us forget its large design.

Amazingly, this masterpiece of technology, Samsung Gear S3 runs super smooth and quite fast. The display gives you buttery smooth feeling which is because of the operating system Tizen it is running,

The LTE model of Samsung Gear S3 comes really handy; with this in hand, you can even leave your smartphone behind and still can have all its feature and functionality right on your wrist. Isn’t it amazing, having all the smartphone feature on your hand without settling down for any?

Both the models Classic and Frontier of Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch are equipped with a 380mAh battery. About which the company claims, it can go four days without charging. Whereas, our Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch review say it could go a day or half or may be two; but not more than that.

The company will keep on nagging you to install S Health. And to your surprise, we are on the same page this time. It is because the app has good some convenient features. It has simple interface and very easy to use. The app tracks your fitness activities, counts your calories, tells you about how many footsteps you have taken a day, your heart pulse rate, sleeping pattern and all the things related to your fitness.

There is no denying the fact that smartwatches are innovations and they are still in their experimental phase. Unlike smartphones, they have not been existed for many years; evolving and getting sophisticated by the time. This is just the beginning of this innovation that you carry on your wrist. So, bear it with me that during this phase you may have to do a little bit or more compromises with the product. Even with the big brands like Samsung and Apple. On the other hand, many people are happy even with the concept of having their smartphone’s functionalities on their wrist. And the long battery lives of these smart watches are the biggest attraction, and they have won over all the bloops it carries in its initial phase. After all, people use smart watches only to peep around their phones apps.

However, it is the next model of Samsung Gear iteration but still, Samsung looks to be stuck in its experimental mode, and it seems the company will take time to come out of that. Supposedly, being the next level smartwatch, Samsung Gear S3 should come as being more futuristic, mature and a polished product than its predecessor. But, still, there are many things to lure, not as many as a next level smartwatch should have. In this Samsung Gear S3 review, we are going to discuss all those features that this smartwatch has to offer you.

Key Specs Of Samsung Gear S3 Smartwatch:

Weight: 59g

Dimensions: 49 x 46 x 12.9 mm

OS: Tizen Based Wearable OS 2.3.2

Storage: 768MB + 4GB

Screen size: 1.3-inch

Resolution: 360 x 360

Screen type: Super AMOLED, Corning® Gorilla® Glass SR+

Battery: 380mAh

Processor: Exynos 7270, Dual 1.0GHz

RAM: 768MB

IP rating: IP68

Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, HRM, Ambient light

Bluetooth: BT4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n, NFC, MST, GPS/Glonass

LTE: BT4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n, NFC, MST, A-GPS/Glonass

Design:

There are two designs in which this Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch comes; the Classic and the Frontier. But both the designs are vaster than the futuristic but fantastic in looks Samsung Gear S2. In terms of design and futurism, it is both a step forward and backward at the same time. It looks more like a big or too big sports watch on my wrist when I first wore this. But it can beautify your hands if you like too big design to wear on your wrist. Though generally, people do not much like big watch design and due to its design it has lost the universal likes. Still, it looks high-end smartwatch with high-performing innards.

LTE Model:

If you buy the LTE model, it can take calls and even connect apps on the go (via AT&T or T-Mobile in the US). If you want a phone on your wrist, here it is. And it’s probably the best phone-on-wrist watch that exists. With AT&T, for instance, the watch can share a number with your Android/Samsung phone. Add Bluetooth headphones, and discreet calls can be taken. Would I need that? No. Some might, though. But to use this as an LTE phone, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee to add it to your phone plan.

The build quality is superb — the Frontier feels like it’s worth the $350 price tag.

Screen:

Besides its more prominent analog style, the Samsung Gear S3 screen is spread over the 1.3-inch display. A slighter bump in size as compared to its predecessor Samsung Gear S2. In this Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch review, you will know more about the screen of this excellent innovation of technology. Its resolution is the same as Samsung Gear S2 which is 360 x 360.

However, it is worth mentioning that Samsung has said that it has gone extra miles for adding anti-aliasing to avoid jagged edges. Seemingly, that effort has been paid off because the AMOLED screen of Samsung Gear S3 is one of its best features. The screen is filled with bright and vibrant colors that soothe your eyes when you get your eyes on this bigger and better screen. The color palette has been doubled to 16 million from the Gear S2 and looks all the more exciting for it.

The smartwatch also supports always-on mode, during which it switches to power saving mode. Whether or not you are using the smartwatch, it will keep showing the display screen, and you will never see the lights of display go off. However, it can be a negative point for its battery life. As in its predecessor, you were able to turn it off by covering it with your palm, and the lights would turn off. But what I found and want to add in Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch review is that there is a setting of Do Not Disturb; which not only turns the display lights off but also mutes the devices sound and vibrations in case of any notification.

Performance & Software:

What makes it super fast is the Tizen based operating system with a dual-core 1GHz processor. On top of that, it has 768MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. Moreover, there’s Bluetooth 4.2, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and NFC built-in with support for Samsung Pay.

Inevitably, the specs have got a clear up-gradation over its predecessor and in this Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch review, we are going to make you aware of all those specs. However, even the previous model was never marked as slow or unresponsive. So it comes something expected that the Samsung Gear S3 works smoothly too.

I can assure you you will never have to face any speed throttling while moving from menu to menu, apps to apps. No matter what medium you are using, either the touchscreen swipe or the iconic rotary bezel to navigate through. In both ways, it feels utter seamless and buttery smooth.

Undoubtedly, Samsung has made the best use of its rotary bezel interface. There is a handful of watch face customization and not to forget the nice widget approach. It enables you to shuffle the widget so you can get the quicker and easier access to the one you use more often.

The real highlight that makes the Gear smartwatches unique is the innovative rotating bezel.

Notifications:

The notifications seems quite a well-handled. Which allows you to respond immediately either via pre-canned replies, voice or just a fiddly on-screen keyboard. However, they are still a bit slow to buzz on your wrist.

The dumping of notifications also feels intuitive and somewhat relaxing. Also, the Tizen knows how to accommodate the bulk of notifications coming from the same app. Unlike, what we have seen to be an issue with Pebble watches.

Dearth Of Major Apps:

On the other hand, the shortcomings of Tizen are more grave, and that is its app catalog. Which is even more than relevant to any other feature. Bear this fact with me that there is an utter dearth of some must to have apps. Whereas in Android Wear and Apple watch offer plenty of varieties within its operating system around its smart home and navigation. But a distinct scarcity is found here in Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch.

Though the company has added Uber, still it lacks major apps like Google Maps and Citymapper that would surely give more sense to be on a smartwatch. However, several throw-away games are there but not sure whether or not will they grab your attention. On the other hand, it has Spotify app to offer you direct music right from your smartwatch. That means you can now expect your wrist to entertain you! And also Samsung Pay app is a big relief because it even does not require you to pair the phone if you want to use it.

Battery:

More from Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch review, Samsung has boosted the capacity of its battery to 380mAh, up from 250mAh in the Gear S2. The implication of this is; If you keep the Do Not Disturb mode on then, it can go for two days on average. Turn on the always-on display, and this would drop down to a day or half. That’s pretty impressive and better longevity than I saw with the Apple Watch Series 2.

Warranty:

Our Point Of View:

To be frank, this is not a revolutionary smartwatch that would change your perception about smartwatches being useless. You will receive all the notifications, can work on some, but the smartwatch remains the limited extension to your smartphone rather than being a full-blown device on its own. Still, it is one of the best options in the market you have for smartwatches.

Why Should You Buy It?

The answer to this will be clearer to you if you go through the whole Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch review. But yes; it’s a yes from my side. The way it rotary bezel functions. Its larger display, smoother touch and better in terms of specs and innards as compared to its predecessor. Though it lacks on app catalog, still it is one of the best options you currently have in the market.

Fiza Khan is a tech geek who loves to let the readers informed about tech trends and news. The writing style is precise yet informative which keeps you updated about what’s new in the tech world without spending much time on reading a huge article.

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